Healthy Ireland is coming to the Islands! A series of free health and wellbeing days will be delivered across the islands, visiting Inis Oírr on February 27th, Inis Mór on March 6th, Inis Meáin on March 7th, and Inishbofin on March 20th.

Healthy Ireland is a Government-led initiative which aims to create an Irish society where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society. This series of health and wellbeing events on the Islands is supported by Galway County LCDC’s Healthy County Galway initiative. Many community and voluntary organisations will be present. These include Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity; Galway Rural Development, Healthy Ireland at your Library; Western Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce; Galway Sports Partnership; Galway Citizen Information Centre; Irish Rural Link; Pieta House; and AIDS West.

“This initiative is a coming together of diverse community groups all with a unified aim to promote health and well-being throughout the islands off County Galway. It is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle across all age groups. The good news is that many health conditions such as heart disease and stroke are preventable and our aim is to offer individuals the opportunity to engage in risk factor screening along with offering practical advice in relation to healthy eating, physical activity, overall health and wellness and lots more,” says Suzanne Seery, Lead Dietitian, Croí.

Exciting free activities and resources to promote health and wellbeing across all the islands will include; pulse and blood pressure checks; healthy cooking tips (such as a Q & A discussion with Croi Dietitian and residents of the islands about changing dietary habits and impact on health); yoga; relationship and sexual health education, including rapid HIV tests; resources on mental health and wellness; exercise and fitness tips; citizen information advice; and much, much more!

“Health is better than wealth! We welcome Healthy Ireland to Inis Oírr and we encourage people to come out on the day and join us for this great event,” says Máire Uí Mhaoláin, Manager Inis Oírr Co-Op.

Check out www.croi.ie/healthyislands as well as @healthyireland @healthycountygalway for the latest information, and join us for this special #HealthyIslands event, promoting health and wellbeing. The Healthy Ireland Fund is supported by the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Rural and Community Development.